HR Technologies UK 2026 to Spotlight Innovation, Emerging Talent and People through Three Flagship Competitions

This year’s edition will feature three competitions: the Start-Up Showdown, the Innovation & AI Competition, and the brand-new HR Heroes initiative, all designed to celebrate innovation, elevate new voices and recognise the individuals making a real impact in the workplace.

Start-Up Zone and Start-Up Showdown

The popular Start-Up Zone returns for 2026, located at the heart of the Innovation Hub, where early-stage HR technology businesses can showcase their solutions, connect with industry leaders and build valuable relationships with buyers and investors.

Participating companies will also have the opportunity on day one to compete in the Start-Up Showdown, competition where they pitch the concepts at the core of their businesses to a panel of industry experts. The winner will receive a free stand at HR Technologies UK 2027, alongside advisory support from leading industry figures.

This year’s list of participating start-ups includes:

·       Workflex

·       Nartio

·       nCore HR

·       Skillvue

·       Performerly.ai

·       FairShot AI

·       Cayus AI

·       Omveo

·       Cooplay

The competition continues to serve as a launchpad for emerging businesses looking to scale their presence within the HR technology market, while offering attendees a first look at the next wave of innovation shaping the future of work.

2025 Winner, Hoogly said: “Taking part and winning the Start-Up Showdown on day one was a huge bonus as it validated everything we’ve been dreaming about and hoping for as we grow. When you win an award like this, it’s a huge reinforcement for the whole team, the hard work we’ve put in, and the problem we’re trying to solve for businesses around the world.”

Innovation & AI Competition

Following a successful debut at last year’s event, the Innovation & AI Competition returns to highlight the transformative role of artificial intelligence in HR. Taking place across the event, the competition will feature leading exhibitors presenting their latest AI-driven solutions designed to enhance HR processes and decision-making for business leaders

Entrants will present their technologies in a “Dragon’s Den” style format to a panel of judges, with solutions judged on their innovation, impact, and practical application in the workplace.

This year’s entrants include:

·       Cayus AI

·       Cooplay

·       FairShot AI

·       Nartio

·       nCore HR

·       Omveo

·       Performerly.ai

·       Skillvue

·       WorkFlex

·       Visier

·       Elmo Software

·       Flip

·       HRManager

·       Personio

·       HealthBox HR

·       Zelt

·       Dandelion

·       StaffCircle

The winner will be awarded a Branding Boost stand and a 30-minute seminar speaking session at the 2027 edition.

Introducing HR Heroes

New for 2026, HR Technologies UK has launched HR Heroes, an initiative designed to recognise and celebrate HR professionals who go above and beyond to support their organisations and colleagues.

Taking place on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 15:10 – 15:40 in Keynote Theatre 1, HR Heroes will shine a spotlight on individuals at all levels who are making a meaningful difference, whether through exceptional employee engagement initiatives, driving the adoption of impactful technologies, or developing positive workplace cultures.

Nominations have been submitted from across the industry, with selected HR Heroes being recognised live at the event. The initiative underscores the vital role HR professionals play in shaping better, more inclusive and more effective workplaces.

The HR Heroes for 2026 are:

·       Thais Altgott, Unique People Consult

·       Andrew Cartwright, Epping Forest District Council

·       Maria De Silva, Joskos

·       Helena Mann, Vantage Consulting Ltd

·       Kerry McCafferty, St Mungo’s

·       Lucy McCann-Cebryk, Handelsbanken

·       Jack Moody, Genio

·       Diana Muneteanu, IQ-EQ

·       Dyan Lobo Pereira, The Keyholding Company

·       Richard Tunnicliffe, Richard Tunnicliffe

·       Hayley Williams, 365 Finance

·       Vitalina Zahrai, Innovecs

·       Julia Aaltonen, Epassi UK Ltd

·       Martina Breitstein-Toivonen, Neste

·       Tiana Clarke, Sure

·       Kerry Dryburgh, HR BP

·       Liz Rees, BMS Services

·       Paul Rose, ALMRO Regency Factors Ltd

·       Stefan Thyssen, MAN TrucK & Bus SE

·       Amie Turner, Fluirse Education Ltd

Nicki Morris, Group Event Director, HR Technologies UK, said:
“HR Technologies UK is all about bringing the community together to share ideas, discover innovation and celebrate the people and organisations driving the industry forward. From start-ups to global companies, and now with the introduction of HR Heroes, we’re proud to provide a platform that recognises excellence in all its forms. We look forward to seeing what exhibitors bring to the competitions at the show!”

Free visitor passes are now available for HR and recruitment professionals looking to explore the technologies, ideas, and partnerships shaping the future of work. Register now via the HR Technologies UK website: https://www.hrtechnologies.co.uk